A flood of digital nomads is driving out Barcelona’s natives
Locals in Barcelona’s trendy Poblenou area are being priced out by a growing population of digital nomads from the United Kingdom and other countries. Once home to Barcelona’s manufacturing sector, the Rambla de Poblenou boulevard is now lined with chic cafés, tapas restaurants, design stores, and tech offices.
Due to the drastic arrival of nomads, rents have gone up and beer prices have gone up to €6, notes Traveling Lifestyle, much to the displeasure of the residents. Since so many Brits have taken the nomadic life, the locals are heard mostly speaking English rather than Spanish or Catalan on the streets.
As a result of the Spanish government’s new digital nomads’ visa, those hailing from the United Kingdom, northern Europe, and even the United States have started relocating to Spain. Non-EU nationals now have the ability to live and work in Spain for up to five years according to the new visa program that began on March 31.
Parliament authorized this visa program because it wants to recruit entrepreneurs and strengthen the country’s digital industry. In addition to meeting certain occupational prerequisites, applicants must have a minimum monthly income of €2,334, or $28,000 per year.
According to Schengen Visa, these are among the many prerequisites:
An overseas employer is required. You will need to provide evidence that you will not be working for a Spanish company.
Must meet the income threshold imposed by the government of Spain. If you can prove that you make a minimum of between €1,000 and €3,000 per month, you can work remotely while on a digital nomad visa.
Submit a lease for a residence. To be eligible for the Spain digital nomad visa, you must provide documentation of your place of residence.
UK news outlet, i News, reports that Poblenou has experienced change before; in fact, the neighborhood’s renaissance dates back to 2000, when the Barcelona City Council approved the renovation of abandoned factories. The @22 district attracted tech start-ups by offering financial incentives for them to relocate to Spain.
The large number of foreigners using the advantages of the digital nomad visa has had an effect not just on the areas where they initially settled. Formerly a rundown section of Madrid, Malasaña is now a hip hangout spot with plenty of cafes and vintage clothes boutiques.
Evie Blanco is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience who was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She is extremely well-versed in hip-hop music and culture and is always aware of any developments within it. Whether it’s the latest in pop culture, a fascinating foreign destination, a truly amazing new restaurant, or breaking news, she loves to write about it all.
This story was originally published April 21, 2023 at 4:42 PM with the headline "A flood of digital nomads is driving out Barcelona’s natives."